Finding Funding

There are over 70,000 foundations in the United States, plus thousands of corporate giving programs, government giving programs, and giving programs through associations, councils, and other organizations. With so many potential sources of funding, where does one begin? Successful grantseeking requires thorough research to match applicant needs with funder interests. Below are many web-based resources helpful to grant seekers.

Charity Channel (CF Staff Only)This site has discussion lists on a wide range of topics relevant to philanthropy. Within the site, there is a page for Don Griesman's Grant Opportunities, where grantseekers can find grant opportunities using a keyword search.

Illinois Researcher Information Service (IRIS) (SJU network users only)The subscription to this database is paid by SJU and thus is free to all users (including students) on our networked computers. This database, specifically developed for higher education users (undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty), contains over 9,000 government and private funding opportunities in 25 disciplines. The database is updated daily. It is searchable by discipline, deadline, academic qualifications, and other criteria. To get started, click on Search Tips or contact John Taylor.

ScanGrantsThe funding sources listed here may be of interest to virtually anyone associated with the health field - medical researchers, social workers, nurses, students, community-based health educators, academics and others. Funding sources most frequently listed here include those of private foundations, corporations, businesses, and not-for profit organizations. Federal and state funding sources are typically not included.

Minnesota Council on FoundationsThis is a Minnesota version of The Foundation Center site. The site contains grantmaker links and deadlines, and grantseeking news and information. The site offers a searchable database; however, currently SJU does not subscribe.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)This is a searchable database of all federal assistance programs, for individuals and organizations. It is the ONLY place where all recurrent federal assistance programs must be published, and is thus the most complete source of information on federal grant programs. It is searchable by many different variables; the keyword search will produce the most complete results. Note that while the database identifies opportunities, additional research will be required to discover the timing of the next competition.

Grants.govThe federal government is the biggest grantmaker of all, making over $350 billion in grants each year. This site became operational in 2003 with the goal of becoming the single portal through which grantseekers can find and apply for all currently available federal discretionary funding opportunities from all 26 federal grantmaking agencies. Currently (2008), though we use this site to apply for federal grants, we will generally use other resources to search for grant opportunities.

Minnesota GrantsThis website provides a single entry point to State of Minnesota competitive grant opportunities. Grant seekers can search for grant opportunities by state agency or by subject area by following the appropriate link.

Minnesota State RegisterThis is the Minnesota version of the federal register. Published weekly, it contains notices of state grant competitions and other state government business. This link will be useful if you know the state program you want to apply for and are looking for the official announcement.

Hoover's OnlineSubscription provided by SJU Libraries for computers on our network. Provides information on public and private companies worldwide. This site can provide useful background information for company-sponsored foundations.

Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR DatabaseEDGAR, the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system, is a free database designed to provide easy access to corporate information. This database is another resource that can provide useful background information for company-sponsored foundations and/or corporate giving programs.